Binge-drinking Brits calm down

Britain's image as a nation of binge-drinkers could be about to change, according to a new report.

Although analysts predict spending on alcohol will continue to rise, the amount drunk is set to fall slightly.

Increased health awareness, an ageing population and pressure to scrap drinks promotions such as two-for-one are among the explanations for the change in habits.

Market analysts Datamonitor believe Britons will become more sophisticated in their drinking and opt for cocktails and quality wine over deals like £1 a pint.

Top spenders

The report found drinkers in the UK spend more on alcohol than any other country in Europe - around £1,272 per person a year. This compares with £1,026 in France, £688 in Spain and £566 in Germany.

But while we top the spending league, the Germans consume the most at 215 litres per person a year, compared with 174 litres in the UK.

According to Datamonitor, UK drinkers will spend £1,383 per person a year on alcohol in 2008.

Yet in the same year it expects consumption to drop to 171 litres per adult.

Germans are also expected to curb their drinking habits - drinking 210 litres each in 2008.

Spaniards, however, are predicted to increase their alcohol consumption from 161 litres to 170 litres each per year, while Italians will drink 138 litres compared with 132 litres per person now.

Andrew Russell, consumer analyst at Datamonitor, said: "Government pressure to drink less will have a big influence over the coming years.

"But we have already seen a shift in habits with more fashionable bars, fewer old-style pubs and women feeling happy to drink with friends out and about.

"The change in licensing laws is also likely to see a more relaxing, continental-style drinking culture."

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